St. Mary’s Food Bank provides more than 63 million pounds of food annually, serving two-thirds of Arizona’s counties. Needed items include canned goods, volunteers and financial donations. FirstFoodBank.org or 602-242-3663.

Kitchen on the Street provides more than 1,000 weekend meals each week to school-age children through partnerships with local schools. Needed items include pre-packaged individually portioned meals, volunteers and financial donations. KitchenOnTheStreet.org

Salvation Army provides holiday family food boxes, clothing, toys as well as comprehensive social services for families, the homeless and seniors. Needed items include Christmas Angel toys, clothing, canned food and financial donations. usw.salvationarmy.org/usw/www_usw_southwest.nsf or 602-302-7177.

She was starving, every rib was visible, and her black coat was full of mange. At some point in her young life, she must have been someone’s pet. She quickly overcame her skittishness and craved my attention.

I’m allergic to cats and own three spoiled dogs. Still, I was not about to allow one of God’s creatures to starve to death at my front door.

I began putting out food and water for Kitty. For six months I contacted no-kill shelters so Kitty could find an owner who would give her a second chance. When I called, shelter workers apologized and said there was no room for another cat.

A few weeks ago, I came to the conclusion that I am Kitty’s second chance.

Kitty is now a healthy weight. Her mangy coat is sleek and black as night. Her once-dull green eyes now shine. When I step outside to refill her food and water bowl, Kitty runs to greet me, purring as I pick her up and hold her close.

Now that temperatures have dropped, I have improvised a little hut lined with blankets, in the shelter of my front porch, to provide warmth for Kitty. For Christmas, my stepdad is building her a more permanent and attractive house that will become a part of my front porch décor.

During this holiday season, I have thought a lot about Kitty. Kitty represents what this time of year means to me: doing my part to help the displaced, hungry and disillusioned find a second chance.

The shelters that ideally would give Kitty her second chance are out of space and resources. So are the shelters and agencies that provide second chances for people in my community.

St. Vincent de Paul, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Kitchen on the Street, Phoenix Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army and many others are reporting that numbers of families — children — are applying for assistance.

A few weeks ago, I came to the conclusion that, like Kitty, I am their second chance.

So this year, my family and I are improvising ways to provide extra shelter, food and warmth to those in need. Our presents to each other will be a bit less so we can give a little more to others.

I just peeked out my front window. Kitty is curled up contentedly in the blanket that lines her hut. She’s waiting on me to show up with more food and water.

I’m not sure which one of us is happier — Kitty to receive or me to give. It’s the unexpected gift we give to each other.

Rhonda Cagle is a marketing and community relations consultant. Join the conversation at RhondaCagle.Wordpress.com, or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhondaCagleWriter or Twitter @RhondaCagle1.

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